Understanding the Green Michelin Star and Its Criteria
In 2020, the Michelin Guide introduced the Green Star to honour restaurants that demonstrate exceptional commitment to sustainable gastronomy. This recognition is awarded to establishments that go beyond culinary excellence by integrating responsible environmental practices into their operations.
Michelin inspectors assess several key aspects when awarding the Green Star:
- Ingredient Sourcing: Emphasis on local, organic, and seasonal produce to reduce carbon footprints and support regional farmers.
- Environmental Impact: Implementation of waste reduction measures, efficient water and energy use, and sustainable restaurant design.
- Ethical and Fair Trade Practices: Ensuring ethical treatment of workers, sustainable seafood sourcing, and humane livestock practices.
- Transparency and Communication: Educating staff and customers about sustainability efforts and integrating eco-friendly values into the dining experience.
Restaurants awarded the Green Star serve as role models, inspiring the industry to adopt more sustainable and ethical business models.
How Skal International Can Align with the Green Michelin Star Movement
As a global network of tourism and hospitality professionals, Skal International has a unique opportunity to promote sustainable practices that align with Michelin’s criteria. By leveraging its influence and member base, Skal can:
- Advocate for Sustainable Gastronomy: Skal can promote sustainability as a core value among its members and encourage restaurants and hotels to prioritize organic and responsible sourcing.
- Facilitate Knowledge Sharing: By creating workshops, webinars, and publications on sustainability, Skal can equip members with the knowledge needed to meet Michelin’s Green Star standards.
- Create Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with Michelin, sustainability certifiers, and local organic suppliers can provide Skal members with tools and resources to implement green practices.
- Support Skal-Affiliated Restaurants: Recognizing and promoting Skal member establishments that excel in sustainability can encourage others to follow suit.
Action Plan: Skal International’s Roadmap to Supporting Sustainable Gastronomy
To effectively contribute to the Green Michelin Star movement, Skal International can adopt a structured action plan:
Phase 1: Education & Awareness (0-6 months)
- Create Sustainability Guidelines: Develop an easy-to-follow guide based on Michelin’s Green Star criteria to help Skal members integrate sustainable practices.
- Launch an Educational Campaign: Organize webinars and panel discussions featuring Green Michelin Star chefs, sustainability experts, and Skal members who have successfully implemented green practices.
- Curate Industry Reports: Publish articles, case studies, and best practices on Skal’s website to serve as an information hub for sustainable gastronomy.
Phase 2: Engagement & Implementation (6-12 months)
- Establish the Skal Sustainability Pledge: Encourage member restaurants and hotels to sign a pledge committing to specific sustainability goals.
- Facilitate Supplier Connections: Create a network of certified organic suppliers and eco-friendly service providers to support Skal members in sourcing sustainable products.
- Host Regional Sustainability Forums: Organize events where Skal members can share sustainability experiences, learn from industry leaders, and collaborate on green initiatives.
Phase 3: Recognition & Global Influence (12+ months)
- Introduce Skal’s Sustainability Awards: Recognize Skal-affiliated businesses that excel in sustainability, with a category specifically aligned with Michelin’s Green Star criteria.
- Develop a Partnership with Michelin: Engage with Michelin representatives to explore potential collaborations, whether through joint events, advisory support, or highlighting Skal-affiliated restaurants in the Michelin Guide.
- Create a Skal Sustainability Label: Introduce a recognition program for Skal businesses that adopt high sustainability standards, giving them additional credibility in the market.
Skal International as a Catalyst for Change
Skal International can shape the future of sustainable hospitality by aligning itself with initiatives like Michelin’s Green Star. By integrating sustainability into its core mission, Skal can elevate its members’ reputations, increase their competitiveness, and drive meaningful change in the industry.
Through education, strategic partnerships, and recognition programs, Skal can provide tangible support to restaurants and hotels looking to embrace sustainability. The Green Michelin Star is not just an award; it is a movement—one that Skal International can actively contribute to, ensuring that tourism and gastronomy continue to evolve in a way that benefits both businesses and the planet.
